65/70% PG - These blends also contain 30/35% VG and they're usually ideal for standard heating coils with a resistance of somewhere between 1.5Ω to 2.5Ω (this number is often written on the coil in small writing). They're often ok down to 1.0Ω but performance will depend on your coil. There is less vapour with PG liquids.

50% VG - these blends also contain 50% PG and they're designed for standard coils with a resistance of 1.0Ω through to 1.8Ω, as a guide. Many 50% VG blends also work well with sub-Ohm coils but it's trial an error and will depend on your coil. This juice blend will usually provide a medium amount of vapour but less flavour if you're not able to vary the power output on your device.

70% VG e-liquid - best suited to sub-Ohm heating coils (sub-Ohm means less than 1.0Ω) and a device with variable power because you will probably need to adjust the output to achieve optimum flavour. Higher VG blends produce a lot more vapour cloud.

Use our page link e-liquid blends if you want to know more about thicknesses, viscosity, PG / VG ratios, nicotine levels, vapour production and what makes for a smooth or harsh throat hit, and more or less flavour. This will also help guide you through to suitable e-liquid for your device and help tailor your preferences.

Nicotine Levels

The most common nicotine strengths are 3mg, 6mg, 12mg and 18mg. 3mg is low and 18mg is high. Remember that nicotine feels stronger when used with low Ohm and sub-Ohm coils and when the power is increased.

If we're out of stock of a particular strength, say 12mg, remember you can blend two different strengths together. Ie, the same amount of 6mg with the same amount of 18mg makes 12mg. What we mean is, if you mix them 50/50 in your tank you will have 12mg. Just remember to put the weakest strength in first.

Bottle Seals

Sometimes people think the seals are broken when they're not and some brands cause more confusion that others.

The seal parts aren't connected to the cap, the cap usually moves independently, the seal parts are attached to the part underneath the cap and you have to look very carefully sometimes to check whether it's intact or not. When the cap is sufficiently pushed down and turned the seal breaks.

Some brands use bottle types that have a lower seal ring so there is a gap between the ring and the cap. Sometimes you will hear the seals break and other times you won't.

E-liquid packaging/boxes

For smaller orders we may send the bottles without their individual boxes (if they have boxes) to avoid having to charge you additional shipping of about £2.50 for a 'small parcel' with Royal Mail. Anything over 25mm in the packet is a small parcel. Plus, we get to spot the leaking bottles or any issues before you do.

Beginner's Guide to Nic Salts E-Liquid

Nicotine salts, also known as nic salt e-liquid, is a relatively new vaping innovation and ideally suited to pod-style vaping devices and all-in-one kits, ie straightforward beginner/intermediate devices with no power adjustments.

Some experienced users do use other types of devices with nic salts, but they keep their power low, and their nicotine low.

Avoid using nic salts with high levels of nicotine with devices or coils that have to operate at higher wattages.

Increasingly there are coils being specifically designed for use with nic salts, but you can use many traditional coils too.

Although basically similar, in that both types of e-liquid usually contain nicotine and flavourings, traditional e-liquid contains what's called 'freebase' nicotine, and the more recent 'nic salt' liquid contains a different ingredient and creates a different vaping experience. The delivery of nicotine in nic salts when vaped is much smoother, despite the levels being potentially much higher.

Standard e-Liquid (with freebase nicotine)

Freebase nicotine is very pure nicotine and it's been the default form for the majority of e-liquid manufacturers (and traditional cigarette manufacturers too). You won't see e-liquids labelled as freebase by the way, it's simply e-liquid or e-juice, etc.

In e-liquid, freebase nicotine is usually added to a blend of VG (vegetable glycerin) and PG (propylene glycol) which act as base or 'carrier' fluids, along with flavourings.

Nicotine Salt E-Liquid

Nic salt e-liquid contains nicotine in varying amounts, and flavourings, in just the same way as standard freebase e-liquids contain these ingredients. Nic salts also usually contain VG and PG as well, most commonly 50/50 but the amounts can vary.

Where nic salt e-liquid is different is through the addition of benzoic acid, which enables the nicotine content, even at higher levels, to be vaped with a much smoother hit, and at relatively low temperatures, ie without needing to adjust the temperature, hence the suitability to non-variable/non-adjustable devices such as pod systems and AIO kits.

Becoming a little more technical, freebase nicotine has a higher pH, which leads to increased alkalinity. This increase in alkalinity causes a harsher throat hit, which usually leads to lower levels of nicotine being vaped.

Benzoic acid in nic salt e-liquid creates the opposite effect as it lowers the pH levels of nicotine and reduces the alkalinity, which results is a much smoother hit.

Advantages of Nic Salts

The advantageous use of nic salts depends on the needs of the user and the device.

Vapers left feeling unsatisfied by a lack of nicotine in one way or another may benefit from using nic salt e-liquids, ie vapers looking for a higher dose of nicotine can use nic salts' smooth delivery of nicotine. In addition, there is usually less impact on flavour with nic salts compared to freebase e-liquid. Generally, nic salt juice has a negligible impact on flavour which provides a richer and more flavourful vape.

Nicotine salts can be a good option if you need a strong dose of nicotine (but not harsh) and prefer a more cigarette-like experience.

Disadvantages of Nic Salts

There's less choice of flavours, but this is rapidly changing and probably won't be an issue. There will soon be something to please all palates.

Users of high output sub-Ohm devices/coils, will need to stay with their 3mg and 6mg nicotine levels in freebase e-liquid. Nic salts won't be an option for these users unless they opt for nic salt with low levels of nicotine and keep their power turned down, which is what some people are doing.

Nicotine salts are not suited to all devices as the temperature of the vape needs to be restricted, and there can be other factors too.

The smooth hit with salt nic e-liquids can mask the high levels of nicotine, so be aware not to overvape (without realising) as this can result in heachades and other unpleasant side effects.

Are Nicotine Salts Right for Me?

Only you can answer these questions. A yes to them makes a case for trying nic salts, no's means stick to standard e-liquid.

Are you a heavy smoker (one or more packs per day)

Do you want a more cigarette-like experience

Do you feel you need a stronger dose of nicotine when vaping

Do you want the nicotine hit to be smooth or harsh (nic salts are very smooth)

Other considerations, if you don't already have a device:

How much will the device cost (stick to a good well-known brand)

How much are the replacement parts (these could be pods and coils for example)

How long do the parts last (on average)

Product Warranties

Electronic Cigarette Co (Healthy Start Ltd) offers the original buyer product warranties as set out below, which become effective from the date of purchase. During the warranty period, we will, at our discretion, repair or replace items that are defective.

These warranties give the purchaser specific limited rights, in addition to those rights under applicable local law. There are one or two exceptions, therefore, if an individual product page on our website stipulates a specific longer or shorter warranty period, that warranty takes precedent over those below.

Scratches and discoloration from regular use is considered normal wear and tear and is not covered by warranty.

Manufacturers are likely to require their serial number before providing a replacement item. This is due to the increasing amount of counterfeits in circulation. Please keep your packaging with the serial number, or take pictures of it before you discard it.

Batteries (eGo and 510 style)

Rechargeable e-cigarette batteries, both eGo and 510 style, come with a 28 day warranty and have a life expectancy of anything from 3 - 9 months, depending on usage and brand. The guarantee covers any manufacturing defects and any repairs, or replacements, if deemed to be faulty or beyond repair. The warranty doesn't provide for physical damage, misuse, or general wear and tear. Ensure you treat your battery well. Click here for our e-cig battery problems page for further information.

Chargers

USB chargers, wall chargers, USB car chargers and other battery chargers are covered by warranty for a period of 28 days. Physical damage, misuse, and general wear and tear are not covered.

Coils

These are consumable items lasting anything from a few days to a couple of months and there is no warranty applicable. Issues with coils are often caused by improper priming, letting the tank run low or drawing too frequently. Please click here for more information about how to prime e-cig coils correctly and it will guide you through to coils burning too.

Drip Tips/Mouthpieces

These items are non returnable and are not covered by warranty but defective items will be refunded or replaced.

e-Liquid

Defective liquids will be replaced or refunded. This applies to e-liquid that is out of date or has a manufacturing defect.

Kits

The kits comprise many parts and it's the individual parts that would be subject to their individual warranty cover, for example, an eGo or 510 style battery will usually be 30 days. Physical damage, misuse, or general wear and tear is not covered.

Lithium-ion Batteries (18650 etc)

These consumable items are not covered by a warranty. Expect a typical lifetime of 300 charges when used properly.

Mods

Box mods are covered for 90 days from date of purchase. The guarantee covers manufacturer defects and any repairs, or replacements, if deemed to be faulty or beyond repair. The warranty does not cover misuse, damage or general wear and tear.

Tanks

The tank itself should last quite some time (usually many months). The heating element inside (the atomizer or coil head) will need to be replaced regularly (1 to 2 weeks on average). Both the tank and the coil heads are covered for faulty on arrival only (DOA). Take great care not to lose the seals on the tank or it will cause it to leak.

Please be aware that plastic/polycarbonate tanks are not recommended for use with abrasive e-liquids or particularly acidic e-liquids such as some fruit flavours. Some ingredients in e-liquid can cause cracking, frosting or even melting of plastic tanks. Abrasive and acidic flavours and flavourings include, but are not limited to, absinthe, cinnamon, spearmint, citrus fruit, cola etc. Please bear this in mind if you're using an e-cig with any type of plastic tank. Glass and metal tanks are impervious to these ingredients and are suitable for all e-liquids.

Rebuildable Atomizers & DIY Wire

There is no warranty applicable but manufacturing faults are covered.

General Conditions

Healthy Start Ltd T/A Electronic Cigarette Co makes no other express or implied warranty or condition whatsoever, whether written or oral, and expressly disclaims all warranties and conditions not stated in this Limited Warranty.

To the extent allowed by the local law of jurisdiction outside of the EU. Electronic Cigarette Co disclaims all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. For all transactions, any implied warranty of condition of merchantability, satisfactory quality, or fitness for a particular purpose is limited to the duration of the express warranty set forth above, and never more than the warranty conditions.

Some states or countries/regions do not allow a limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incident or consequential damages for consumer products. In such states, or countries/regions, some exclusions or limitations of this Limited Warranty may not apply to the purchaser.

Exclusions

These warranties do not apply to defects resulting from misuse, physical damage, improper or inadequate maintenance, improper charging or use of alternative charging adapters, or unauthorised modifications and tampering.

Our Guide to Vaping

We have lots of useful information, guidance and helpful tips regarding vaping, plus you'll be able to read about common problems (and solutions) ...

Electronic Cigarette Co makes no guarantees that these products will stop someone smoking or cure a smoker's addiction to nicotine. We are not a pharmaceutical company and we do not produce medical products or give medical advice.